Cotton gauze

April 20, 2011

I have discovered a gorgeous fabric – organic cotton gauze. It does have some drawbacks though, but I think I have solved them.

I loved some clothes I saw for sale and the material was described as cotton gauze. Immediately I went looking for some for sale, but with little luck. There was one seller on ebay, but it was very expensive. Then I found a gardening supplies shop that sold it for £1 a metre for chucking over plants to protect them from birds. I was so pleased! When it arrived, however, my heart sank. It was impossible to sew! Seams just pulled apart. Back on google for more information, I found out where I had gone wrong. In America, it is called cotton gauze, but in UK it is called Crinkle Cotton. Completely different!

However, I did come across the advice that crinkle cotton should be washed before sewing as it shrinks a fair bit. So I washed a skirt I had attempted to make, and that solved everything! Ok, it did shrink a lot, but the seams stayed together – in fact it feels really strong now.

It is the perfect fabric for pirate inspired clothes – it has a real shipwrecked look and the tunics I have made make great cover-ups for the beach. So, after all that, I am still very pleased . After shrinking it in the wash, it’s not such a bargain price, but as the material is so soft and unusual, it is still worth it. I’ll let you know when the clothes go for sale.

3 Comments

Padawan Ra'Zen

May 4, 2013

I just wanted to say THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!
I’m building a Jedi costume, and needed this illusive Cotton Gauze stuff, but now I know it’s Crinkle Cotton on this side of the pond, I’ve found it for £3 per metre!!!
YEY!!
Thankyou and may the force be with you!

Helen

May 5, 2013

Glad I could help! And may the force also be with you. I’ve been researching fabric more and have found several names for similar types of fabric. Eg. There are several densities of muslin, and very finely woven muslin is also similar to the gauze. Cheesecloth also, though I haven’t worked with that yet. I’ve also found the term ‘crinkle cotton’ used for seer sucker cotton, which is completely different to gauze. So confusing!
Good luck with the Jedi costume.

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I still haven’t worked out who I want to be or what I want to do when I grow up, so on this blog you’re welcome to join me while I try and work it out! Aiming for slow living whilst trying to cram it all in! I write regular posts which tend to have a creative edge and include photography; artist interviews; home, fashion and style inspiration; travel and days out; and entertainment reviews. Have fun reading and looking around :)